SAFARICOM OFFERS MULTI-MILLION SUPPORT, INCLUDING RENT AND PHONES, FOR VICTIMS OF ANTI-FINANCE BILL PROTEST
Safaricom has launched a substantial initiative to aid Kenyans affected by recent protests stemming from the Finance Bill 2024. Speaking from Kenyatta National Hospital, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa announced a Kes. 5 million allocations to provide assistive devices for those injured during the protests.
In addition to this, Ndegwa disclosed that Safaricom will distribute smartphones and airtime to individuals who lost their phones during the unrest. For those in dire situations, the company will offer three months’ worth of food supplies and cover one year’s rent expenses.
Emphasizing Safaricom’s commitment to community welfare, Ndegwa revealed a Kes. 15 million donations to Kenyatta National Hospital, facilitated through contributions from Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations. This funding aims to aid protestors receiving treatment at the hospital. Additionally, Safaricom has earmarked Kes.10 million for the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre and an extra Kes. 5 million to assist hospitalized individuals injured during the protests.
Through its M-Pesa Foundation, Safaricom will organize medical camps starting July 6, 2024, in affected areas such as Githurai and Rongai. Ndegwa stressed the Foundation’s dedication to supporting communities during crises, reinforcing healthcare infrastructure, and aiding patient recovery.
Under the #GenZforGenZ initiative, Safaricom will mobilize its Generation Z employees and collaborate with other organizations to form volunteer squads. These teams will engage in community outreach, sanitation drives, and medical support programs.
In future Ndegwa outlined Safaricom’s broader socio-economic empowerment initiatives. These include providing scholarships for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), promoting economic empowerment through the Ndoto Zetu program, supporting opportunities in the agricultural value chain via the Wezesha Agri Program, and facilitating access to business training and micro-loans across 13 counties.
Ndegwa reaffirmed Safaricom’s commitment to standing with the people during challenging times, expressing readiness to provide structured hospital support during emergencies, with a focus on enhancing healthcare facilities and aiding patient rehabilitation.
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